UGM provides assistance for start-ups on low-carbon economy and technology, mostly through programs within the Directorate of Business Development.
One of the programs is the Innovative Academy Hub UGM which provides mentoring, networking, facilities, and grants to support the incubative process of startups provided for but not limited to UGM’s researchers and students. Five areas covered by the service in the Directorate of Business Development UGM are Health; Manufacturing, Engineering, Information and Communication Technology (MRTIK); New and Renewable Energy; Integrated Agriculture; Heritage, Art, and Culture Sustainability Management (HACSM).
Grants for startup initiation are also organised by the Directorate of Student Affairs UGM. PT. Gepo Energy Nusantara is a start-up company initiated by students from the Faculty of Engineering UGM in 2020 through grant funding with Pertamina. PT. Gepo Energy Nusantara has been recognised for its work on installing photovoltaic roofing. Mentoring in the early stage of the start-up focuses more on marketing aspects and product quality assurance.
Other innovations by startups in Renewable Energy can be seen on the Innovative Academy website. One such company, STB Pallet, produces biomass energy pellets made from sugarcane waste and recycled organic waste as a fuel source to replace coal. For each production house, the amount of waste is reduced by 2000 tons every year.
As for fostering startups in the community, UGM has collaborated with Bank Indonesia and the government of Gunungkidul Regency to launch Serikat Surya Handayani. The activities are centred on a 12,000 watt Solar Power Plant (PLTS). SSH supports small business and start-ups like biopharmaceutical and batik production, mobile solar water pumps for irrigation, and a drinking water business.
References:
- Innovative Academy Hub UGM
- the Directorate of Business Development UGM
- PT. Gepo Energy Nusantara: Startup Company of 4 Active Engineering Faculty Students
- PT. Gepo Energy Nusantara has been recognised for its work on installing photovoltaic roofing
- Innovative Academy website
- UGM has collaborated with Bank Indonesia and the government of Gunungkidul Regency to launch Serikat Surya Handayani